The foreign ministers of the Quad grouping—India, the United States, Australia and Japan—met in New Delhi and agreed on steps aimed at strengthening stability in the Indo-Pacific amid concerns over China’s military moves in the region.
According to a joint statement issued after the talks, the four countries reiterated support for a free and open Indo-Pacific and said they would take concrete measures to help nations strengthen their ability to make independent choices and build resilience.
The ministers agreed to enhance maritime domain awareness across the region and to widen cooperation in critical minerals and the energy sector. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said a framework on critical minerals has been created as part of an Indo-Pacific energy security initiative.
The statement also raised concerns about disruptions in the East and South China Seas, and said actions that intimidate other countries or undermine regional peace in the South China Sea are unacceptable. It cited interference in maritime resource development, curbs on freedom of navigation and overflight, and threatening moves by military aircraft and coast guard forces.
On wider security issues, the Quad opposed any disruption to international trade through the Strait of Hormuz and criticised Iran’s decision to levy customs charges on commercial cargo vessels in the area. The ministers also discussed terrorism as a shared threat and agreed on a zero-tolerance approach, noting that every country has the right to defend itself against terror attacks.
